Claud Burton Fitzwater

Claud Fitzwater

Claud Fitzwater, 86, passed away at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA, on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

Claud Burton Fitzwater was born in Powersville, MO, on December 15, 1927, the son of Dan and Mattie (Callison) Fitzwater who preceded him in death.  Claud served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He never married.  Claud spent most of his working life as a firefighter with the Kansas City (MO) Fire Department, retiring as chief on November 7, 1981.

Claud was a member of Blue Summit Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon.  He was a special friend to Ruth Pickle and many others in that congregation.  Claud was a man with a truly generous and giving nature.  He volunteered at the food pantry at Blue Summit Baptist Church and on one occasion a man came through the door without shoes; Claud gave the man his own shoes.  He also supported charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, the City Union Missions, Samaritans Purse, Youth Front, and Reinhait Bonke.  He also supported ministries such as the Luis Paulu Evangelistic Association and Trinity Broadcasting.

After retirement Claud made items such as wreaths and baskets out of grape vines and lawn furniture out of small tree limbs.  These were sold at flea markets in the Kansas City Area.  He loved to garden and do yard work.  But mostly Claud will be remembered as a person who cared for others.  For a number of years he lived with and cared for Martha Renolds, a lonely and elderly widow woman.  He moved to Unionville, MO, in 2009 to care for his sister, Mollie, after her husband Leotis passed away. Claud has been a special blessing to her and her family as he cared for her and the farm.  Claud attended First Christian Church in Unionville after he moved to care for Mollie.

Claud is survived by his sister, Mollie Beach, and nieces Debbie Inman and husband Dennis, Darlene Crouse and husband Rodney, and Karen Houf and husband Robert.  Also surviving are several great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces and one great-great nephew.

Claud was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Leotis Beach, as well as many aunts and uncles.

Funeral services for Claud Fitzwater will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home at 11:00 am Friday, April 4, 2014.  According to his request, Claud will be cremated after the service and a burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Powersville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO  63565.